Any beagle experts?

[L&M]

We sadly lost our older dog at Easter so are looking for a companion for our 9yr old lab bitch.

A local rescue centre have just had in what they think is a beagle x - she was picked up by a warden so have no background info on her, but think she may have been used for breeding on a puppy farm. They have told me her temperament is second to none and has been very sociable with the centres other dogs and children met to date.

She is 6 yrs old and being neutered next week prior to being re homed. From the conversation I have had with the rescue centre, she would be ideal for our family, so am going to view her tomorrow. I am going to take my lab so that they can also meet too.

Do they make good family pets? We have walked numerous hound pups so appreciate that obedience may be an issue, as well as recall if on a scent!

Any views gratefully received and thanks in advance.

 

[burge]

Beagles are extremely sociable and people friendly creatures but they are very hard work from a recall point of view as you have said. Don't underestimate their intelligence and they are excellent escape artists. There is an old saying 'By the time a foxhound has thought about it a beagle has done it'. We used to delight in the tales of our beagles while out at walk with 'foxhound' people. They never really knew what they were letting themselves in for despite having walked foxhound pups for a lot of years Don't be surprised if it leads your lab astray ;-) Saying all that if you have plenty of space and time you will be well rewarded as the little chaps are very happy hounds and do prefer some other canine company rather than being a solitary dog. When you view her check if she has any ear tattoos as she may be a lost hunt hound. The rescue centre would probably consider a 'stud book' beagle a cross as they don't bear much resemblance to KC beagles.

 

[L&M]

Thank you for that and a lot of food for thought..not a decision to be taken lightly methinks!

It had occured to me that she may be from a hunt and was going to look for a tatoo. In the photos her teats are very obvious, which is possibly why they think she may have been used for breeding.

As with other working breeds, am I right in assuming that there are show and working beagle lines?

 

[burge]

Beagles used by Beagle packs for hunting hare (within the law!) are referred to as 'Stud Book Beagles' and don't really bear much resemblance to KC Beagles the latter being a lot heavier. Obviously hunting hounds need to be fit for purpose and I'm afraid most KC Beagles would not be up to the job they were originally bred for although they do still have their instincts! If she is tattooed it would interesting to know the number as her origin and breeding could then be easily traced. If you go to:

http://www.hunting-directory.co.uk

you will find numerous pictures of 'proper' beagles ;-)

 

[L&M]

Right - that makes sense and will have a look at the website. I have a feeling she may be a 'stud book' beagle as looks more like a minature hound rather than what I percieved to be a traditional beagle ie KC ones.

Shame I am not technically minded to put a photo on here to see which you reckon she is. I just hope she is not a working beagle that a hunt has lost - will check her over very carefully tomorrow.

 

[krlyr]

I believe they can be vocal things (howling) and a bit prone to separation anxiety, so something to bear in mind depending on your household schedule and how tolerant your neighbours are!

 

[L&M]

Thanks - she would be kept with another dog so hopefully that would satisfy her 'pack' instinct if I had to go out. Not too concerned about baying, as we have no close neighbours, and walk hound pups most summers, so am quite used to the noise!

I think it will come down to what the previous poster has said - if she is an ex working hound, I don't think life as a domestic pet is feasable. However if she is from a pet line and has just fallen on hard times, I would be willing to give it a go.

Will see how we get on this afternoon.